Help Identifying Soldier's Uniform and Hat

[jbarone]

Hi all!

I just received this family photo and could use some help identifying it. From the little bit of research I did I guessed that it was a Union junior officers frock coat. The belt (see detail photo) seems to be an eagle with a wreath. There are three buttons on the sleeves and 8-9 on the coat. I couldn't zoom in on the buttons or medals to see the design clearly. There may be a patch (see detail photo) on the inner left sleeve but it is hard to tell. He also appears to be wearing white gloves.

The hat (see detail photo) appears to say, "CSA" which would make the man a Confederate. Generally speaking my family has always been in the north so that seems unlikely. The letters (or numbers?) on the hat would be very helpful to know if anyone can make out what it says. Any help at all would be appreciated.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum from south Florida. I actually think the hat badge is distorted and actually reads USA. I think it is a post war veterans group uniform but there are some great uniform guys on here that will tell you for sure. His shoulder boards are rank of captain.

 

[Patrick H]

Hi and welcome. I agree with captaindrew that the man is wearing a USA cap badge. I also agree with his hunch that it's a post war veteran association uniform of some kind. For me, too, that's only a hunch. I'll be watching to see what the uniform experts say.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome @jbarone. I also agree the uniform is a post war veteran's group. Probably GAR (Grand Army of the Republic).

 

[UCVRelics]

Probably GAR (Grand Army of the Republic).

I'm going to say he's not GAR as the majority of GAR members wore GAR items. I believe he may be USV or a veteran from a later war. I will dig a little deeper as I believe the medals will tell the tale.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

I I believe he may be USV or a veteran from a later war. I will dig a little deeper as I believe the medals will tell the tale.

Good point.

 

[zburkett]

My old eyes see USN

 

[UCVRelics]

My old eyes see USN

I thought the same hing at first but then when I played with the image a little I'm not to sure if its USN?

 

[major bill]

My old eyes see USN

You might be right. It is difficult to see.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Paging @AndyHall .

You photo enhancement skills might help solve this mystery uniform.

 

[AndyHall]

 

[AndyHall]

Haven't found a match for the medals, but one is similar in form to this, NY State National Guard:

https://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d...-medal--national-guard-state-of-new-york.html

Expired Image Removed

 

[major bill]

AndyHall I thought about researching the medals as well. There is a book at the local library that shows almost all known Militia medals. My problem is that there are a couple thousand images of medals (with the dates issued) and it is time consuming to look at all of them. Many states used similar medals and unless I start with a clear image I might come up with medals from several states that fit the blurry image.

I should have bought a copy of the book to use at home.

 

[gary]

I think it is a veteran uniform. There was another organization other than GAR. The other group was for those who had seen the elephant (been in battle). Not to disrespect the members of GAR (may they RIP), but if you served as a camp guard, clerk, hospital attendant during the war, you got to join the GAR. It's the same distinction between today's American Legion and VFW.

 

[James N.]

This is definitely post-war; the kepi is the M.1872 and the eight- instead of nine-button front isn't Civil War regulation either, nor are the three-button cuffs.

 

[zburkett]

Now I'm asking for my information. One of the reasons I saw USN was because I don't remember USA being used during the war. If this is a post war uniform it could be USA. My question is when did the military begin using USA over US?

 

[Legion Para]

Postwar, American, not a US Army Regular.

Aiguillette, Fourragère and Schützenschnur were not worn during the American Civil War.

The shoulder cord on his left side with acorns somewhat reminds me of the German Schützenschnur, German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency, but minus the badge.

 

[major bill]

I would have to agree that this is probably post war militia, National Guard or something like this.